Understanding Liability in Texas Truck Accidents

Why Liability Matters After a Truck Accident

When an 18-wheeler collides with a car, the consequences are often devastating. Victims and families face hospital bills, lost income, and the emotional weight of an accident that could have been prevented. Understanding liability in Texas truck accidents, including who is responsible under Texas law and federal trucking guidelines, is the first step toward justice and fair compensation.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Truck Accident

Truck crashes are rarely simple. Unlike a typical car accident, multiple parties may be involved, each with their own share of responsibility.

• The Truck Driver
  If the driver was speeding, texting, driving under the influence, or pushing past their legal driving hours, they can be held directly liable. Electronic logging devices often reveal violations that lead to fatigue-related crashes.
• The Trucking Company
  Many accidents can be traced back to company practices. Some carriers cut corners, hire unqualified drivers, or pressure employees to overlook safety rules to meet deadlines. When that happens, the company itself can and should be held accountable.
• The Truck Owner or Leasing Company
  Not every truck is owned by the driver or the carrier. The actual owner must ensure the vehicle is properly maintained. If a blown tire or faulty brakes caused the crash, ownership liability may apply.
• Cargo Loaders
  A poorly loaded trailer can shift, spill, or make a truck unstable. In these cases, the shipping or loading company that failed to secure the cargo may be responsible.
• Manufacturers and Mechanics
  Sometimes, the problem lies in a defective part—a faulty steering system, brake failure, or bad tires. When equipment failure contributes to an accident, the manufacturer or repair shop may share the blame.

Insurance Requirements in Texas Trucking

Because commercial trucks pose such a risk on the road, both federal and Texas laws require high levels of insurance coverage:

• Federal law sets a minimum liability coverage requirement at $750,000, but it can increase to several million dollars for hazardous cargo.
• Texas law requires additional coverage depending on the type of truck and cargo, ranging from $300,000 to $5,000,000.

This insurance is designed to protect victims, but companies and insurers often fight hard to limit payouts. Having an attorney who understands these policies is critical.

Federal and Texas Safety Rules and Liability

The trucking industry is governed by a web of safety rules, many of which aim to prevent the very crashes we see far too often.

• Hours-of-Service (HOS) Rules: Federal law limits drivers to 11 hours of driving within 14 hours. Drivers must also take mandatory rest breaks and cannot exceed 60-70 hours in a week. Violations are a common factor in fatigue-related crashes.
• Texas Regulations: Beyond federal law, Texas enforces its own rules on licensing, vehicle maintenance, cargo security, and maximum weight limits. A truck that exceeds 80,000 pounds, or that skips regular safety inspections, puts everyone on the road at risk.

How Fault Is Shared in Texas

Texas follows a comparative negligence system. In Texas, if you are partly at fault, your recovery can be reduced. However, as long as you are less than 51% responsible, you can still pursue compensation. In trucking cases, fault is often spread across multiple parties, making careful investigation essential.

Recent Changes in Texas Trucking Laws

In recent years, Texas lawmakers have passed bills that can limit lawsuits against trucking companies. Some laws make it more difficult to bring claims directly against a company unless the driver is first proven to be negligent. Critics argue that these changes protect corporations more than they do families.

Laws making it harder to hold motor carriers accountable for an accident make it even more important for victims to work with lawyers who understand both the old rules and the new ones.

Why Legal Help Is Essential

Truck accident cases differ from car accident cases. They require a deep understanding of both federal trucking guidelines and Texas liability laws. Evidence like driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and shipping documents can make or break a case.

Insurance companies and trucking corporations move quickly after a crash, often sending teams of investigators to the scene within hours. Victims deserve the same level of protection—someone fighting for their rights from the start. The best trucking accident lawyers have quick-response teams to level the playing field with insurance companies after a crash.

Get the Help You Need After an Injury Accident

A truck accident can change a life in an instant. Knowing who may be held responsible—whether it’s the driver, the trucking company, or another party—is the foundation of any claim for justice. Texas laws and federal regulations are complex, but with the right legal guidance, victims and families can hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

Contact the Undefeated Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Texas For Help

We handle serious injury and fatal accidents in Houston and across Texas. Contact us to request a free consultation or call us at (281) 893-0760

About Greg Baumgartner

Greg Baumgartner is a preeminent rated personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas, with over three decades of experience representing severely injured clients in truck accidents. He founded Baumgartner Law Firm, in 1985, with a mission to provide excellent legal representation and personalized attention to every client.